To ask the Minister of Health whether Health and Social Care Trusts have a (i) policy; and (ii) statutory responsibility, to provide transportation to patients who require, or would benefit from, access to day opportunities.

There is a statutory responsibility to provide transport for service users attending buildings-based day care.

In 2014, the Department of Health finalised a model for Day Opportunities, aligned to the aspirations of Equal Lives and in collaboration with NI Executive Departments. It aimed to promote a culture of social inclusion, greater independence, and a good quality of life.

These services should be discrete from traditional buildings-based Day Care facilities and access to the Day Opportunities services should be in non-segregated general transport provision. Day Opportunities should aim to empower individuals to access and participate in activities independently.

It is recognised that access to public transport can be difficult on occasion. Trusts do explore alternative transport methods on a case by case basis to enable access to Day Opportunities. The Department is aware that people supported use Community Transport to access Day Opportunities. Officials have engaged in a cross-departmental working group with DfI and DAERA to explore opportunities for better collaboration.